Live performances and leaked tracks provided fans with an early glimpse of the fifth album by The National, but these previews did not adequately convey the true impact of High Violet. From the opening track, “Terrible Love”, Matt Berninger sets the album’s overall mood. This is a hauntingly beautiful record; a hypnotic journey that touches on lost love, sorrow, faith and fear. The opening line of “Sorrow” perfectly sums up the melancholic atmosphere: “Sorrow found me when I was young/Sorrow waited, sorrow won.” Berninger is the centerpiece, but the album also includes collaboration from some Indie heavyweights; Sufjan Stevens can be heard on “Afraid of Everyone”, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon provides the harmony on “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks” and the fingerprints of Richard Reed Perry (Arcade Fire) can be found throughout the album. Much credit should also be lauded upon the Dessner/Devendorf brothers as they offer the perfect compliment to Berninger’s beautiful baritone. On a side note: The Dessner brothers are also responsible for putting together the phenomenal Dark Was the Night benefit compilation last year. High Violet will appear on many “albums of the year” lists and could prove to be The National’s masterpiece. This is not, however, an album for every occasion nor mood. My recommendation is that you spend some time alone with High Violet, preferably through your favorite set of headphones. You won’t be disappointed. . . Tracks to Repeat: “Terrible Love”, “Sorrow”, “Runaway” |
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